Governor Hochul Announces New Yorkers Can Now Choose an "X" Gender Marker on NYS Driver License and ID Cards

 

Historic Step in Implementing the Gender Recognition Act Takes Effect in Time for Pride Month 

Supports State's Effort to Remove Barriers for Transgender and Non-Binary New Yorkers 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New Yorkers will have the option to choose "X" as a gender marker on their driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID card at all Department of Motor Vehicle offices statewide. This change is being implemented in accordance with the State's Gender Recognition Act, which goes into effect on June 24. This landmark legislation provides expanded protections for transgender and non-binary New Yorkers through this change at the DMV and by making it easier for people to change their names, change their sex designation and change their birth certificates to reflect their identity.  

"As we prepare to celebrate Pride Month in a few days, I am excited to announce this historic change that represents another victory in our fight to help ensure equality and respect for the LGBTQ+ community," Governor Hochul said. "Every person, regardless of their gender identity or expression, deserves to have an identity document that reflects who they are. My administration remains committed to ensuring that New York is a place of value, love and belonging for members of the LGBTQ+ community." 

Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "Perhaps more than any other state agency, New Yorkers directly engage with their government through the DMV, so offering identity documents that are representative of all New Yorkers is a significant milestone. We are thrilled to implement this new option that we know will have a positive impact on the lives of so many of our customers."   

Division of Human Rights Commissioner Maria Imperial said, "We applaud our state's important action to ensure that these essential ID documents accurately reflect and affirm who we are. We will continue working to advance dignity and eliminate discrimination against transgender and non-binary people in New York State."  

Deputy Chief Diversity Officer Priya Nair said, "As a transgender and non-binary New Yorker, this action means that I can now get a driver license that better reflects my identity. It's not only the correct gender marker, but it's also an action which demonstrates that New York State affirms and sees me for who I am. Thank you to Governor Hochul, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and all of the non-binary and transgender advocates who pushed for this important and inclusive change. As other states attack and roll back protections for transgender people, I am proud to live in a state that will continue to fight for our communities." 

New Yorkers who have an existing driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID will have the option to change the gender marker on their photo ID from "M" or "F" to "X", and those who are applying for a NYS photo ID for the first time will have the option to choose "X". This can be done by completing the Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (MV-44).     

Customers who do not want to visit a DMV office to change their existing ID document will have the option to change their gender designation through an online transaction beginning in July 2022.   

DEC REMINDS VISITORS TO FOCUS ON SAFETY AS SUMMER HIKING SEASON BEGINS

 

Being Prepared Before Heading Out Is the Best Way to Ensure Arriving Home Safely

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded visitors to New York's outdoor spaces to focus on safety before they head out to their outdoor adventures in the state's wild and beautiful destinations. Ahead of this summer’s recreational season, DEC continues to advance actions to promote public safety and improve visitor experience.   

"Recreating safely and responsibly starts with planning ahead before visiting the Adirondacks, Catskills, and any of New York’s wild places," Commissioner Seggos said. "Preparing for potential dangers and changing weather conditions and knowing your limits before hiking into the back country can mean the difference between life and death. To protect yourself and others, I’m encouraging outdoor adventurers to make plan ahead and make smart decisions to prevent accidents before they occur."

Visitation to State Forest Preserve lands is typically highest during the summer months. In partnership with State agencies, local municipalities, and private entities, DEC is working to protect public safety, improve the visitor experience during the busy season, and safeguard sensitive ecosystems. Using recommendations outlined by the High Peaks Strategic Planning Advisory Group (HPAG) and Catskills Strategic Planning Advisory Group (CAG), as well as input from local and community partners and outdoors enthusiasts, New York State continues to implement new strategies and adaptively manage the ongoing safety and resource needs of both Forest Preserve regions. For more information, go to https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/125418.html and https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/125363.html

Be Prepared 

Wear proper gear and attire, including sturdy, comfortable boots. 

• Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics that keep your skin dry and help regulate your body temperature in both cold and warm weather - avoid cotton as it holds moisture; 
• Layered clothing is recommended even for summer hikes;
• Light-colored clothing, which will make it easier to see ticks 
• Waterproof, sturdy, and comfortable shoes or boots (no flip-flops);
• A watch or other time-keeping device; 
• Trekking poles will reduce leg fatigue and joint pain; and 
• Snowshoes and traction devices in the winter. 
  

Hikers and others heading outdoors should always let someone know where they are going, when they plan to return, and should provide updates if there are any changes to the plan. Anyone heading out needs to be realistic about their fitness and skill level and not overestimate their abilities or underestimate the weather conditions. 

10 Hiking Essentials 

Carry these essentials in a day pack on all hikes for a safe and enjoyable experience. 

NAVIGATION 

• Map 
• Compass 
• GPS system 
• Extra batteries 
  

INSULATION/RAIN GEAR 

• Waterproof/windproof jacket 
• Hat 
• Gloves 
• Thermal undergarments (pack extra) 
• Wool socks (pack extra) 
• Goggles - Winter 
• Face mask - Winter 
  

LIGHT 

• Headlamp 
• Flashlight 
• Lanterns 
• Extra batteries
  

FIRST AID SUPPLIES 

• Use a pre-made kit or build your own 
  

EMERGENCY KIT 

• Whistle 
• Signal mirror 
• Duct tape 
• Pocket knife/multi-tool, etc. 
• Bright colored cloth 
  

FIRE 

• Matches in waterproof container 
• Lighter 
• Fire starters 
  

NUTRITION 

• Choose high protein and high calorie items 
• Pack extra food 
  

WATER 

• Pack at least 2 liters per person 
• Carry more than you think you will need 
• Water filtration or purifying system 
  

SUN and INSECT PROTECTION 

• Sunglasses 
• Sunscreen 
• Hat 
• Bug Repellent 
• Bug Net 
  

EMERGENCY SHELTER 

• Tent 
• Space Blanket 
• Tarp 

Those planning a trip should consider going with at least one other person. Hiking alone can be dangerous. Also monitor trail conditions before your arrival and during your hike. Trail condition resources include: Adirondacks area; Catskills area; Finger Lakes area. These and many more hiking safety tips are on the DEC’s Hike Smart website.

New Yorkers are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands all year by practicing Leave No Trace principles and by recreating safely, sustainably, and hiking in suitable conditions based on weather and experience level. For more information: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/119881.html.

Another New Campaign Manager for Alessandra Biaggi

Hey team — it’s Ana, Alessandra’s Campaign Manager.

I had to make a very difficult decision yesterday after our Friday budget meeting.

Since we launched our campaign on Tuesday, it’s become clear that in order to keep growing our coalition of supporters across the progressive movement and win, we already need to scale up our investments in digital advertising and organizing.

The money wasn’t in our May budget — but I gave the green light anyway.

I know it was a risk. But with a primary as quick as this one (just 87 days away!), it’s these kinds of decisions in the early stages that make a huge difference down the road.

I made a bet that if I asked, our grassroots movement would step up and help us, for Alessandra, for our team, for the 17th district, and for everyone who believes that Sean Patrick Maloney does not deserve his seat in Congress.

Of the many things that makes our campaign stand out against our opponent’s, it’s the grassroots that I’m most proud of. I’m confident that if we continue standing together and keep up this hard work, we’re going to win.

Thank you in advance.

- Ana

Ana Hall

Campaign Manager 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - MAY 27, 2022

 

Statewide 7-Day Average Case Rate Has Declined Over Last Consecutive Ten Days

Cases Continue to Trend Down Across All Regions Compared to Previous Week

Statewide Hospital Admissions Trending Down

In Preparation for Memorial Day Weekend, Governor Encourages New Yorkers to Keep Using the Tools to Protect Against and Treat COVID-19: Vaccines, Boosters, Testing, and Treatment

HERDS Data Collection from Health Care Facilities Will be Paused from May 28 to May 30 and Will Resume on Tuesday (May 31), Following the Holiday Weekend

23 Statewide Deaths Reported Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"As New Yorkers travel to spend Memorial Day weekend with friends and family, it is important that we don't let our guard down and continue to use the tools we have available to us to stay safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness is to get vaccinated and keep up to date with your booster doses. If you are experiencing symptoms, get tested, and if you test positive talk to your doctor about available treatments."  

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the holiday, HERDS data collection from health care facilities will be paused from Saturday, May 28 to Monday, May 30. Data from Friday, May 27 will be reported on Tuesday, May 31. Further, four days of cumulative data—from May 28 to June 1—will be reported on Wednesday, June 1. As a result, some data may appear higher than recent trends.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:   

• Cases Per 100k - 43.72
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 41.41
• Test Results Reported - 125,007
• Total Positive - 8,543
• Percent Positive - 6.49%**  
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 7.37%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,483 (-35)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 435
• Patients in ICU - 234 (-9)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 95 (+4)
• Total Discharges - 306,278 (+437)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 23
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 56,027

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and several other factors, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.  

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.    

Important Note: Effective Monday, April 4, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is no longer requiring testing facilities that use COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to report negative results. As a result, New York State's percent positive metric will be computed using only lab-reported PCR results. Positive antigen tests will still be reported to New York State and reporting of new daily cases and cases per 100k will continue to include both PCR and antigen tests. Due to this change and other factors, including changes in testing practices, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.  

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 71,497

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.      

• Total vaccine doses administered - 38,873,724
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 25,095
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 111,967
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 92.5%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 84.0%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 87.4%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 83.6%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 73.5%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 82.1%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 74.4%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 90.6%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 77.4%   

Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows **:      

Borough	Tuesday, May 24, 2022	Wednesday, May 25, 2022	Thursday, May 26, 2022
Bronx	4.55%	4.30%	4.27%
Kings	6.46%	6.28%	6.00%
New York	6.79%	6.74%	6.62%
Queens	6.70%	6.48%	6.30%
Richmond	7.63%	7.50%	7.20%